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Descriptive Assessment
Your Name
Capella University
PSY7712 Behavior Analytic Assessments
Scientific Rigor(s) Exemplified by Conducting a Descriptive Assessment
, 2
Scientific rigor in descriptive assessment refers to the application of scientific
methods in the study of phenomena to maximize the reliability of data and utility for the
prediction of behavior. A descriptive assessment exemplifies scientific rigor by ensuring
that phenomena under investigation are studied via non-intrusive methods, mainly
observation. Objective description of behavior is made and report recorded for what
happened prior to, during and after an occurrence of a behavior of interest, as was done
for Lee. Predictions can then be made based on the pattern of behavior observed in the
client.
Therefore, when conducting a descriptive assessment, the behavior of interest (to
be observed) is first operationally defined and methods of measuring it are defined. The
individual is then observed in their natural environment while collecting ABC
(antecedents, behavior and consequences) data. Data is then analyzed using tools like the
ABC-QA to identify functions/actions most responsible for maintaining the behavior,
which facilitates hypothesizing of the behavior function that can be used for behavior
forecasting.
Benefits and Limitations of a Descriptive Assessment
One benefit associated with conducting a descriptive assessment is the
observation of phenomena in their naturalistic environment, which promotes the
ecological validity of data collected about the individual or phenomenon under
investigation. Direct observation facilitates the collection of critical data related to
behavior, such as the most critical antecedents and consequences of behavior, which can
then help in developing reliable person-centered interventions. A well-structured
descriptive assessment can, therefore, facilitate accurate contextualizing or hypothesizing
Descriptive Assessment
Your Name
Capella University
PSY7712 Behavior Analytic Assessments
Scientific Rigor(s) Exemplified by Conducting a Descriptive Assessment
, 2
Scientific rigor in descriptive assessment refers to the application of scientific
methods in the study of phenomena to maximize the reliability of data and utility for the
prediction of behavior. A descriptive assessment exemplifies scientific rigor by ensuring
that phenomena under investigation are studied via non-intrusive methods, mainly
observation. Objective description of behavior is made and report recorded for what
happened prior to, during and after an occurrence of a behavior of interest, as was done
for Lee. Predictions can then be made based on the pattern of behavior observed in the
client.
Therefore, when conducting a descriptive assessment, the behavior of interest (to
be observed) is first operationally defined and methods of measuring it are defined. The
individual is then observed in their natural environment while collecting ABC
(antecedents, behavior and consequences) data. Data is then analyzed using tools like the
ABC-QA to identify functions/actions most responsible for maintaining the behavior,
which facilitates hypothesizing of the behavior function that can be used for behavior
forecasting.
Benefits and Limitations of a Descriptive Assessment
One benefit associated with conducting a descriptive assessment is the
observation of phenomena in their naturalistic environment, which promotes the
ecological validity of data collected about the individual or phenomenon under
investigation. Direct observation facilitates the collection of critical data related to
behavior, such as the most critical antecedents and consequences of behavior, which can
then help in developing reliable person-centered interventions. A well-structured
descriptive assessment can, therefore, facilitate accurate contextualizing or hypothesizing
